Did you hear that? It’s OK, it was probably nothing…
With its misty landscapes and ancient ruins, Ireland is a land where myths, legends, and ghost stories come to life. It’s no wonder the Emerald Isle has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the world. From spine-chilling castles to eerie jails, Ireland’s supernatural sites are a must-see for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
Our team has traveled to every corner of our country as part of our small-group tours of Ireland and tailor-made Ireland tours. On our travels, we’ve heard a tale or two ourselves, so we’ve decided now’s the time to share some of the most famous haunted sites in Ireland that will leave you intrigued and perhaps a little spooked!
Scroll down to get started! And if you have any questions for the Overland team, please just contact us. We’re here to help however we can!
Leap Castle, County Offaly: Ireland’s Most Haunted Castle?
Leap Castle, often dubbed the most haunted castle in Ireland, has a history as dark as its shadowy halls. Built in the 13th century, the castle’s bloody history includes betrayal, murder, and ghostly tales. The “Bloody Chapel” is the site of a notorious family feud, during which two brothers were vying for the family seat. One, a priest, was delivering mass in the chapel when his brother murdered him at the altar.
Some of the castle’s other infamous residents include the Elemental (a spirit described as a sinister, oppressive force accompanied by a foul odor), The Red Lady (a spirit seen wandering the corridors carrying a dagger), and two young girls Charlotte and Emily. The girls have been described as playing in the hallways and sometimes plummeting from the castle’s battlements, a gruesome replay of Emily’s death at the age of 11.
Paranormal investigators and visitors often report unexplained cold spots and eerie sensations. Whether you’re an avid ghost hunter or just curious, the castle’s haunting atmosphere is sure to give you goosebumps.
Our country’s majestic castles and storytelling legacy are just two reasons that make Ireland such a unique travel destination. It’s no surprise, then, that the two come together so often to create such captivating ghostly tales! Keep scrolling down to find even more…
See if You Encounter the White Lady at Charles Fort, County Cork
Perched on the coast near Kinsale, Charles Fort is a 17th-century star-shaped fort with a long history of military use. It’s also home to the tragic tale of the White Lady, a ghost who has been seen wandering the grounds. According to legend, the White Lady was the daughter of the fort’s commander, Colonel Warrender.
Against her father’s wishes, the White Lady married a soldier stationed at the fort. The father then murdered his unwanted son-in-law on the wedding day. Overcome with grief, the commander’s daughter is said to have thrown herself from the fort’s walls. Ever since, there have been numerous sightings of a woman dressed in white wandering the ground, searching for her lost love.
Kinsale isn’t just one of our picks for the best small villages in Ireland, it also features in some of our tours! This includes our incredible 10-day Ultimate Ireland tour package, the perfect way to see the very best of Ireland and Northern Ireland!
Feel the Eerie Aura at the Hellfire Club, County Dublin
Situated atop Montpelier Hill in the Dublin Mountains, the Hellfire Club is infamous for its dark reputation. Built in the 18th century as a hunting lodge, it was reportedly used by the Hellfire Club for debauched gatherings and occult rituals. The lodge’s sinister aura stems from tales of animal sacrifices, mysterious deaths, and even an encounter with the devil himself during a card game that led to the fire that ruined the property. And then there’s another vital detail — allegedly, the lodge’s construction disturbed a prehistoric burial site!
Today, hikers, families, and couples make the short climb to the summit of Montpellier Hill for an adventurous day out and to take in the gorgeous views. But plenty of people are drawn here by the macabre history of the Hellfire Club! There’s a palpable sense of unease that’s perfect for those who enjoy a touch of the supernatural.
Watch Out for Lady Margaret at Belvelly Castle (De Barrà), County Cork
Belvelly Castle, located near Cobh and Cork City, is a medieval fortress with a ghostly resident. The castle is said to be haunted by the faceless ghost of Lady Margaret De Barrà, who was imprisoned within its walls. Legend has it that Lady Margaret had a striking beauty as well as a capricious nature.
When she refused the affections of a suitor named Clon Rockenby, he decided to starve the family within the castle. During the ordeal, Lady Margaret is said to have lost her looks and her mind, leading to her smashing every mirror in the castle. People have reported sightings of the faceless spirit roaming the medieval tower, searching for a mirror to gaze into.
Belvelly Castle has been restored by its current private owners. Thanks to its prime position near the Cork Road Bridge onto Fota Island, the tower is easy to spot!
Our fun and fascinating seven-day Ireland to Island tour visits Cobh on a journey that sweeps through County Cork up the Wild Atlantic Way, allowing you to experience this magical part of the Emerald Isle for yourself!
Hear Spooky, Historical Tales at Kilmainham Gaol, County Dublin
Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison in Dublin, is steeped in Ireland’s revolutionary history—and ghostly lore. The jail housed many leaders of Ireland’s independence movements, including those involved in the 1916 Easter Rising, some of whom were executed within its walls. Visitors have reported unexplained sounds (such as the slamming of cell doors), shadows, and a sense of unease in the prison’s dark corridors. The lights have been known to shut off before coming back on again.
A guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol offers insight into Ireland’s past and the eerie stories that surround it. It’s a sobering and unforgettable experience for anyone interested in history and the paranormal.
While our tours don’t explore Dublin, you will almost certainly spend some time in the city. Our guides are always happy to provide recommendations for the capital when saying our fond farewells after your tour. But in the meantime, check out our blog What are the Must-See Sights When Visiting Ireland? and find inspiration for things to do in Dublin and some of our country’s other remarkable destinations.
Look Out for an Apparition at Ballyheigue Castle, County Kerry
Ballyheigue Castle, now a ruin on the grounds of the Ballyheigue Castle Golf Course, is surrounded by tales of ghosts and mysterious happenings. The grand mansion was built in the early 19th century before burning down in 1921. However, the ruins that were left behind are said to have become the home to a local ghost.
The spirit was most famously spotted by Captain O’Donnell in 1962. As he explored the ruined castle, O’Donnell snapped some photos. The resulting shots revealed a ghostly figure in one of the windows holding a sword. Further investigation found tales of a shipwreck and a raid to find hidden treasure. During the raid, a soldier who stepped in to try and prevent the robbery was duly murdered.
The castle’s picturesque setting near the Wild Atlantic Way adds an element of romance to its haunting stories, making it a popular stop for travelers seeking a blend of beauty and mystery — and a round of golf!
While we don’t head near the Ballyheigue Castle Golf Course, our six-day Magical Southern Ireland tour explores this leg of the stunning Wild Atlantic Way as far as Galway.
Listen Out for Odd Noises in St. Columb’s Cathedral, County Derry
As the oldest building in Derry still in use, St. Columb’s Cathedral is a treasure trove of history and legend. Its graveyard is said to be haunted by spirits, with stories of apparitions and ghostly whispers among the tombstones. However, the story of Bishop Higgins is perhaps the most well-known here.
Failing to adhere to the warning “don’t disturb the dead”, the tomb of former bishop William Higgins was moved inside the cathedral during renovations in 1867. Following the disturbance of the grave, things started to get weird! Workers at the cathedral started hearing footsteps from within the locked gallery, the organ would sound without a person anywhere near it, and apparitions appeared in photographs.
There’s a quiet, otherworldly energy to St Columb’s Cathedral especially in the evening when the shadows lengthen! A visit here is the perfect opportunity for a spiritual and supernatural experience all in one.
The good news is that some of our tours visit the charming city of Derry. These include our five-day Wild West and North Ireland tour and the amazing 11-day Full Irish active tour of Ireland.
Don’t Miss Out on Our Tours of Ireland!
Now we’ve finished exploring Ireland’s famous supernatural sites, it’s time to discover the rest of our incredible country! Let’s turn your dream trip to the Emerald Isle into a reality. Browse our range of small-group tours of Ireland and find the perfect fit for your needs. Or learn more about our tailor-made Ireland tours, which we can design around your interests, including the supernatural side of our beguiling island.
Do you have any queries for us? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for the answers you need.
